A proposed religious institution with an outdoor Guan Yin Statue will be developed north of San Tau Kok Village in Ting Kok, the Town Planning Board says, with at least 13,000 square metres of open space there.

The area is subject to development restrictions of a maximum gross floor area of 4,900 square metres, and a site coverage of 28% including landscaped decks. Height limits are imposed on its zones, including a proposed Great Buddha's Hall and monastery.

Two sites of special scientific interest occupy 40.11 hectares. One is outside the coast near Ting Kok Village and Po Sam Pai Village covering the mangrove habitat, the coastal deposits of mud and silt which are alternately exposed and covered by the tides. The second covers the Shuen Wan Egretry at Shuen Wan Chim Uk where herons roost and build nests for breeding.

About 6.97 hectares surrounding the Ting Kok special scientific interest site is designated a coastal protection area to protect the special landscape of these natural coastline areas.

Conservation areas

The conservation area occupies 21.53 hectares to preserve the area's natural character and separate its sensitive natural environment from the impact of development.

About 63.92 hectares of good quality agricultural land/farm/fish ponds will be retained for agricultural uses. The green belt has 92.32 hectares of vegetated foothills, knolls, woodlands and streams.

There will be 3.91 hectares of open space. The zone south of Ting Kok Road near Lung Mei Village is reserved for developing a 200m-long bathing beach. About 2.19 hectares north of Ting Kok Road near Lo Tsz Tin Village will be used for active and passive recreation and tourism/eco-tourism.

About 69.81 hectares is for village-type development, while 0.33 hectares at Tai Po Town Lot No. 140 is designated for a low-rise, low-density residential development.

Click here for the approved Ting Kok outline zoning plan.